Marla Mae (Erjavec) Allen

Marla Mae Allen (nee Erjavec), 65, of Joliet, IL, at rest at 5:26 PM Thursday, December 7, 2006 surrounded by her family at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center after a courageous 17 year battle with cancer. Marla was born November 15, 1941 in Joliet, IL to Frank ""Rinty"" and Olga (Rungaitis) Erjavec. She graduated from St. Francis Academy ('59) and the College of Saint Francis ('63). She married Charles W. Allen on October 1, 1966 at St. Joseph's Church in Rockdale, IL. She taught 4th Grade at the Rockdale Elementary School. She was a member of Slovenian Women's Union of America, and served as a Board Member at Leisure Lake Membership Resort.

Marla is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Charles W. Allen; her adoring mother, Olga (Rungaitis) Erjavec; her eight loving children, Scott (Michelle nee Murphy), Carl ""Duck"" (Suzanne nee Palacios), Brad (Michelle nee Cooper), Craig (Gwen nee Bresney), Kelly Lynn, Keith (Kelly nee Karcz), Todd and Chad Allen; her 11 beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Zachary, Emma, and Christopher, Autumn and baby-to-be, Aidan and Alex, Nolan, Delaney and baby-to-be, and Cadence and Mia Allen. Also surviving are numerous cousins; dear Aunt Elizabeth Rungaitis; special friend and cousin, Marilyn Goss; loving in-laws, Bruce and Geri Baxter and family; Thomas and Georgia Allen and family; Fred Allen and family; Stan and Carol Allen and family; and additionally left behind, her faithful dog, George.

Preceding her in death, were her father, Frank ""Rinty"" Erjavec, and her in-laws, Fred and Gwendolyn Allen.

She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, cousin and friend. She dedicated all her time, love and energy to her family. Marla has touched many lives in her too short of time here on earth. She was truly an angel among us, and will be sadly missed by all. In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Marla Mae Allen's name to The Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org) would be appreciated.

Tezak Funeral Home 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL. 815 722-0524 www.tezakfuneralhome.com

From where funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 13, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. to St. Ambrose Church of Crest Hill for Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 AM. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. VISITIATION and VIDEO TRIBUTE'S will be Tuesday December 12, 2006 from 2 to 9 p.m.